Better swallowing and understanding: Sophisticated aids from the field of speech therapy

Dr. Sebastian Hin: Yes, it's true. To be more specific, the German Federal Association for Speech Therapy approached us and called our attention to the demand for this type of product. The design and implementation only took four months from start to finish. This is a great accomplishment by our small team, and we are very proud since this involves more than just the technical development. It also entails a supply chain, distribution, and compliance with the European Medical Devices Directive.

What feedback have you received on the possible applications of the mask?

Hin: We were surprised by the wide spectrum of customers and applications. Apart from speech therapists, our customer base includes a variety of professions: sign language interpreters, courts, and educational facilities and even the retail sector. Yet miama has also been a game-changer amid the pandemic in many social services professions where communication of emotions or facial expressions play a key role.

Miama is not your only product that is inspired by speech therapy. Iuvas Medical also created sippa. What is sippa?

Hin: Sippa is an adaptive drinking aid for patients with dysphagia (the medical term for swallowing difficulties). The cup reduces the aspiration risk in patients with this disorder when they consume liquids. The tool can be prescribed as an assistive device in Germany. A unique mechanism allows drinking from the cup's rim. Users can empty the cup while keeping their head and neck in a safe chin tuck position. This maneuver protects airways during the drinking process. Right now, only sippa enables users to empty the entire cup in the chin down position. 

Hin: It is important to note that dysphagia is typically not the primary disease. It usually is a symptom of a neurological condition or esophageal disorder. Sippa is a great tool after a stroke, to accommodate Parkinson's disease or after cancer. Sippa is a perfect drinking aid for patients who have maintained their ability to drink independently and who benefit from the chin down maneuver as part of their illness. Speech therapists typically make an assessment on cup drinking.

What feedback have you received pertaining to sippa – also as it relates to your trade fair presence at REHACARE 2019?

Hin: Our customers love sippa, not just because we address issues resulting from swallowing difficulties, but also because the product makes daily life easier thanks to optional handles, an ergonomic mouthpiece, and a spill-proof design. Trade fairs like REHACARE have always and will always be extremely important to us. Seeing sippa in action simply has a greater impact than any written explanation. We miss the face-to-face interaction with our old and new partners. We hope to return to an in-person event in the fall because digital trade show displays, and virtual formats will never be able to replace physical events.

How do these two products promote the participation of people in speech therapy/medical treatments?

Hin: Both products improve the situation of patient groups that would be at greater risk of social exclusion without these tools. Miama makes speech therapy possible and solves the problem of protecting yourself from infectious disease with a face mask, while making facial expressions visible at the same time. Sippa helps people who have trouble swallowing to drink safely. An independent eating and drinking experience is an important aspect in all cultures and improves your quality of life. The quality of life is vastly restricted for those who are no longer able to drink independently and swallow safely.